Saturday, August 31, 2013

Reports including BBC walk; GWC

A muggy day turned out  a mostly inactive birding day  but with a few noted sightings to salvage the morning in Prospect and Greenwood Cemetery.

Dennis Hrehowsik BBC walk was satisfactory with 15 birders showing up and having a good sighting of OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER on Lookout Hill 's Butterfly Meadow. The total warbler count was 8.with a nice bird in BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER. However from the list I was sent, I see it was a great day for its diversity and good birding company.

Meanwhile, over at Greenwood Cemetery, birders were unsuccessful finding yesterday's Prothonotary Warbler and Philadelphia Vireo. However as these one day wonders weren't around, a treat nevertheless watching the antics of two GREEN HERONs at Dellwater with a BELTED KINGFISHER  providing more enjoyment as it flew constantly around this water spot. Just a few feet to the Crescent Water, we ( Me, Mary E , Tom P, JoannP) found a CAPE MAY WARBLER in a Hawthorne tree at the water edge, also a YELLOW WARBLER in that tree..

See the lists below. Just back from a Coney Island Cyclones night game and all this sticky muggy weather makes me too tired to think further.. Where is that north cool wind ??



*******************************

From Dennis Hreshowsik, leading the Brooklyn Bird Club walk Prospect

Peter,

15 birders met at grand army plaza on a cloudy morning that gave way to sunny skies. Highlights included Olive sided flycatcher, white eyed vireo, and 8 warbler species of warbler.

See you in the field,

D


Begin forwarded message:
From: do-not-reply@ebird.org
Date: August 31, 2013 3:33:55 PM EDT
To: 


Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park, Aug 31, 2013
Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Aug 31, 2013 7:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Protocol: Traveling
4.0 mile(s)
Comments:     BBC Walk
58 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  X
Mute Swan  X
Wood Duck  1
Mallard  6
Double-crested Cormorant  1
Great Blue Heron  1
Great Egret  1
Green Heron  2
  Herring Gull 2
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Rock Pigeon  X
Mourning Dove  10
Chimney Swift  15
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  5
Olive-sided Flycatcher  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  2
Empidonax sp.  4
Eastern Phoebe  1
Great Crested Flycatcher  1
White-eyed Vireo  3
Warbling Vireo  3
Red-eyed Vireo  4
Blue Jay  3
Barn Swallow  3
Black-capped Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  1
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
House Wren  1
Carolina Wren  4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  3
Veery  1
Wood Thrush  1
American Robin  X
Gray Catbird  10
European Starling  X
Cedar Waxwing  1
Northern Waterthrush  2
Blue-winged Warbler  1
Black-and-white Warbler  4
Common Yellowthroat  2
American Redstart  9
Northern Parula  1
Chestnut-sided Warbler  2
Black-throated Green Warbler  1
Chipping Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  7
Red-winged Blackbird  3
Common Grackle  1
Brown-headed Cowbird  1
Baltimore Oriole  2
American Goldfinch  7
House Sparrow  X

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S15060185

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

***********************************

 date = 2013/09/01
site = Greenwood Cemetery
observers = PeterDorosh, Mary Eyster, Tom Preston, Joann Preston, earlier Keir Randall.

Black-crowned Night-Heron Dell Water
Great Egret Crescent Water
Great Blue Heron Crescent Water
Mallard 
Spotted Sandpiper Crescent Water
Mourning Dove 
Chimney Swift 
Belted Kingfisher Dell Water
Red-bellied Woodpecker 
Willow Flycatcher TRAILL'S 
Red-eyed Vireo 3
American Robin 
Veery 
Gray Catbird 
Cedar Waxwing 
Yellow Warbler Crescent
American Redstart 
Black-and-white Warbler 
Common Yellowthroat 
Cape May Warbler Crescent Water
Blue-winged Warbler Sylvan Water
Northern Waterthrush Dellwater
Wilson's Warbler Sylvan Water report byRob Jett
Song Sparrow 
Rose-breasted Grosbeak well hidden Crescent Water, too darn shy to come out of shrub
Northern Cardinal 
Baltimore Oriole 2
Red-winged Blackbird 

Friday, August 30, 2013

Two late developements Rare sightings PP & GWC

First , just after I left work, Keir Randall reported a high soaring BALD EAGLE just east of the Terrace Bridge ( 3:45 pm)

********************************************

The second development regards the Greenwood Cemetery today PROTHONOTARY WARBLER & PHILADELPHIA VIREO,  of which I received photos tonight from Ania Grzesik

Here is Ania's note and photos. They do indeed show a female/immature PROTHONOTARY ( note what I see is more olive head cap) and PHILADELPHIA VIREO in the last two pictures.


Hi Peter,

As promised, here are the Prothonotary Warbler and Philadelphia Vireo pics.  As for the Prothonotary, I've checked 4 different guides/sources, so if it's not, I don't know what else it could be!  The lighting wasn't ideal, but I was able to get it from all angles.


-- 
Ania Grzesik






Philadelphia Vireo
 


*****************************************

Prospect sightings, GWC post

A few spots came alive with a few birds, but the best in Prospect was the Butterfly Meadow, particularly the dead ash  coming "alive" ( no it wasn't resurrected) with some birds that included an OLIVE -SIDED FLYCATCHER.

The dead ash and the edge of the Butterfly meadow below is the best or most active of three spots I saw birds. Below the aforementioned Olive sided FC, a BLUE-WINGED WARBLER ( BWWA)  worked the flowers and weeds along the meadow western edge. Also 2 COMMON YELLOWTHROATS accompanied the BWWA. Then the ash came to life with a YELLOW WARBLER , a HAIRY WOODPECKER and a RUBY -THROATED HUMMINGBIRD that was chased by the Olive sided (He oughta pick on someone his own size). The Hummingbird later visited the Budleia bush at the meadow south end. Just across the path ,a CANADA WARBLER in the elm grove.
Another decent spot was a delight to see because it was planted this past spring. Just north of the Boulder Bridge west end, an open meadow marked by a pointy large broken snag had two nice birds, NORTHERN PARULA WARBLER ( maybe the same bird later at Esdale Bridge) , and a GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER seen initially high up , came down to the broken cherry tree up the slope, with excellent views. Above two EASTERN KINGBIRDS made it a tyrant flycatcher spot; also a pair of Baltimore Orioles

Most intriguing was a report  from Ania Grzesik in Greenwood Cemetery pertaining to an immature /female PROTHONOTARY WARBLER at Crescent Water and PHILADELPHIA VIREO at Sylvan Water. The former is very rare in autumn so I am looking to see pictures taken by Ania.

The holiday weekend coming, be sure to go on Dennis's BBC walk tomorrow in Prospect. goto www.brooklynbirdclub.org for details.

Enjoy the holiday weekend and good birds.....

Peter's list

date = 2013/08/30
site = Prospect Park
observers = ME

Ruby-throated Hummingbird -2; Butterfly meadow budleia bush, Payne Hill west
Hairy Woodpecker Butterfly meadow dead ash 
Willow Flycatcher ? / Traill's species Butterfly meadow dead ash 
Olive-sided Flycathcher- Butterfly Mead Dead Ash
Great Crested Flycatcher Payne Hill west
Eastern Wood-Pewee Payne Hill west
Red-eyed Vireo Butterfly meadow ;Payne Hill west
Black-capped Chickadee Butterfly meadow 
House Wren Butterfly meadow ;Payne Hill 
American Robin common
Gray Catbird 4
Cedar Waxwing Butterfly meadow 3
Yellow Warbler Butterfly meadow dead ash 
American Redstart Ricks Place; Payne Hill west  male
Canada Warbler 2; Butterfly meadow north; Falkill Falls 
Common Yellowthroat 2 Butterfly meadow ;Falkill Falls 
Blue-winged Warbler Butterfly meadow 
Northern Parula 2; Esdale Br, Payne Hill west
Northern Cardinal 5
Common Grackle Falkill Falls
American Goldfinch ~ 10 Butterfly Meadow
Hi Peter! GWC 2 hrs ago: imm/fem prothonotary @ crescent water. I've ruled out everything else! Also, Philly vireo @ sylvan water. Pics to follow! -Ania Grzesik
Olive sided flycatch atop dead ash above mild active west edge Butterfly mead.bluewing warb

Pearl Crescent

Pearl Crescent Butterfly Meadow this morning

 

Sent from my MetroPCS 4G Android device

BBC Thursday walk results; photo of DC Cormorant fishing line


From Tom Stephenson ( leading)

Hi Peter,
We had a good and hardy group today, including several people from Europe and the Middle East. It was pretty slow, though, with only 7 species of warblers, although one was a Mourning on lookout.

Besides the Mourning Warbler, the best bird of the day was the caterpillar. I haven't had a chance to try and ID it, but probably Steve or others will know. Picture attached.

Best regards,
Tom

addendum:

After consultation with Steve Nanz, the caterpillar was ID as Tiger Swallowtail, turning green after the larvae stage and the bright yellow striped butterflies that are common around here.
Tiger Swallowtail, in larvae form

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail caterpillar: http://bugguide.net/node/view/491/bgimage



Double-crested Cormorant
Great Egret
Green Heron
Canada Goose
Mallard
Spotted Sandpiper
Forster's Tern
Rock Dove
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Willow Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
White-eyed Vireo
Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
American Redstart
Northern Waterthrush
Mourning Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Song Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Baltimore Oriole
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow

***********************************************

Photo of DC Cormorant with fishing line around neck.still free bird despite attempted rescue....keep your eyes open for it
note the line  round the neck,photo by Rob Bate

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Distressed Comorant ; BBG sightings; Facebook Like;

A Double Crested Cormorant was found with fishing line around its neck ( and tightening) when I swung by responding to Keir's report. It was sitting on a water snag but free. Urban Park Rangers  were contacted by my office but they were unsuccessful trying to snatch the bird as it swam away 2x ( with the rangers in their kayak Unfortunately.)

The bird was by the duck feeding spot near Well Drive junction and Lake Drive ( near Vanderbilt STREET entrance)

If you see the bird on land or immobile ( tethered to a snag etc) , contact any the Bird rehabbers listed on my side blog -->
better to call my office during weekdays or Urban Park rangers or Sean Casey if urgent

( if really urgent , try cutting the line with nail clippers if u are able to secure the bird, hold its bill though)

*********************************

Orrin posted this note from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Immature Tennessee warbler this morning.  Also common yellowthroat.

*************************
From Facebook.( if you subscribe)

https://www.facebook.com/birdinghistory


Subject: Rick Wright suggested you like The History of Birding...

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Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Common Nighthawks Prospect

Chris Elliot reported three Common Nighthawks hunting over the Parade grounds & south of the Lake tonight.

-KB

predawn sightings Prospect

From Ryan:

Hi Peter,

I did a 90 minute pre-dawn walk this morning, concentrating on Lookout
Hill. Not much to report beyond the expected, but a chatty Worm-eating
Warbler and an Ovenbird.

Cheers,
Ryan

Lesser Yellowlegs at GWC

Taken by Orrin Tilevitiz, yesterday at Greenwood Cemetery's Sylvan Waters Lake



Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Prospect report

From Joshua

Note Pine Warbler

Observer: Joshua Malbin
2013-08-27 18:01
Prospect Park
Protocol: Traveling
1 Miles
103 Minutes
Observers: 1
All birds reported? Yes
    X    Mute Swan     
    3    American Black Duck     
    X    Mallard     
    1    Green Heron     
    1    Black-crowned Night-Heron     
    1    Red-tailed Hawk     
    1    Spotted Sandpiper     
    X    Rock Pigeon     
    8    Mourning Dove     
    2    Common Nighthawk     
    40    Chimney Swift     
    1    Downy Woodpecker     
    1    Northern Flicker     
    1    Great Crested Flycatcher     
    4    Blue Jay     
    3    Barn Swallow     
    1    Black-capped Chickadee     
    2    Tufted Titmouse     
    2    House Wren     
    4    Carolina Wren     
    2    Blue-gray Gnatcatcher     
    X    American Robin     
    X    Gray Catbird     
    1    Cedar Waxwing     
    4    American Redstart     
    1    Pine Warbler     
    X    Northern Cardinal     
    1    Common Grackle     
    X    American Goldfinch     
    X    House Sparrow       
This report was created and sent using BirdsEye BirdLog (http://birdseyebirding.com/)

No birds, but butterflies are hot !

Spending my lunch break at Butterfly Meadow, next to the budleia bush, the location lived up to its name. With all the greenheaded coneflowers, joe pye weed, etc , butterflies are in good force. A majority were Black-tailed Swallowtails, but Cabbage whites, a Question Mark, Tiger Swallowtail were some other butterflies present. A special butterfly, though at the time I was there was a SILVER-SPOTTED SKIPPER.This was on the budleia and one nice red HUMMINGBIRD MOTH added lunch entertainment.

I forgot to mention the other day , Saturday that is, on the Lookout hill summit, we had a really good one, SNOUT BUTTERFLY , seen on the hackberry which I think is the host tree. And before that a RED-SPOTTED PURPLE somewhere

Good stuff, even when birds aren't around.

Snout Butterfly  http://butterfliesofamerica.com/L/t/Libytheana_carinenta_a.htm

Silver Spotted  http://butterfliesofamerica.com/L/t/Epargyreus_clarus_a.htm

Red-spotted Purple  utterfliesofamerica.com/t/Limenitis_arthemis_astyanax_a.htm

Hummingbird Moth http://www.birds-n-garden.com/hummingbird_moths.html


Photo of Red Spotted Purple, taken by Rob Bate , Butterfly meadow this past week



For a brief time...

The wind will shift to northwest for several hours at 11 am today.not that waves of birds will come but an opportunity  for some birding..of course there is possible rain...

:

Monday, August 26, 2013

Why August is known as the dogdays ?

When The bright star Sirius breaks the eastern  horizon,this Dog Star marks August's dog days. Why is Sirius known as the dog star ? its part of the constellation Canis Major,Orion the Hunter's dog,nipping at his heels... Orion the hunter is marked by his belt of three stars.

"Serious"ly...

http://earthsky.org/tonight/orion-heralds-return-of-sirius

early Prospect report

August 26th

Ryan Bass report

Peter,

A pre-dawn start didn't yield many birds today, most likely due to the stiff breeze from the SW. Nonetheless, a few quality birds were around, you just had to work for them:

Cape May Warbler - Lookout Hill, near Arlene's Pines, drab bird/fall type
Tennessee Warbler - Dirt path between Meadow and Summit, Lookout Hill, foraging low
(2) Northern Waterthrush - Boathouse, Fallkill
Worm-eating Warbler - Vale

Near the "beach" at the boathouse, there is a stand of small trees in front of a water fountain. One of them has large pink buds on it. Despite the lack of activity today, this one small tree hosted 3 Red-eyed Vireos, 1 American Redstart, and had a N. Waterthrush underneath it. I'm curious what type of planting it is and if others have had a similar experience with it attracting birds.

Cheers,

Ryan

Conservation in progress :Insect hotels

Conservation starts small and with each one of us.There are benevolent insects that help our environment ( especially your back yard !)

check out this very cool idea.

http://www.inspirationgreen.com/insect-habitats.html

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Nightwatch in Prospect

Dennis Hrehowsik reports about 3 COMMON NIGHTHAWKS in the sky at this moment.

Mourning Warbler continues

A "tweet" from Mike Yuan places the still present MOURNING WARBLER immature behind the Maryland Monument. The bird was refound by "Pat". This was a mid morning sighting, while I was out in Jamaica Bay Refuge leading the club.

-KB

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Prospect Evewatch , from the Nethermead

Tonight climaxed a great day for late August. On a hunch for a target species, 5 COMMON NIGHTHAWKS showed up  ,first one seen over the southern Midwood became 5 hunting over the treetops of Quaker Ridge, between the cemetery and the Nethermead Bridge. The first bird appeared 7:51 until I left about 8:15 when darkness descended. A great show from my sitting within the Nethermead triangle, especially the bright Venus with Nighthawks flying near the planet's illumination.The yearly tradition continues.

For your information , for the next two weeks, when winds are north, go have a picnic and watch nighthawks.

-KB
So far 3 COMM NIGHTHAWKS over Quaker ridge /nethermead west.venus shines bright west sky
1 COMMON NIGHTHAWK over south Midwood.

Beautiful day in GWC,PP reports, good birds

This beautiful day with cool winds produced a mixed bag of good birds in both Greenwood Cemetery (GWC) and Prospect, with raptors a mark in GWC and rarity a usual notation in Prospect.

Starting with GWC, besides warblers in sporadic observations, raptors took front stage. At least two OSPREY were spotted overhead by Sylvan Water where also two AMERICAN KESTREL chased one of the Ospreys. But coming out quickly from the south ridge of Sylvan,a juvenile BROAD-WINGED HAWK flew over me and Mary Eyster, when after follow thru, the hawk perched for a few minutes on a dead limb. About 10 minutes later, it soared over us.
However, nothing beats an eagle.

On a restroom break at the 25th Street entrance, of the "Castle" arch fame, with American Revolution battle flags adorning the hillsides to commemorate the Battle of Brooklyn this week, an immature BALD EAGLE soared high overhead. It was quite mottled, hence a young 1st or 2nd year bird.

Along the water spots, a few sandpipers to enjoy the day. On the Dell water wall ,  for a long time just sitting there, a SOLITARY SANDPIPER. Over at Sylvan Water,  SPOTTED SANDPIPER ( after I mentioned to Mary we haven't seen a Spotted yet, eat my words, seconds later , presto) and LESSER YELLOWLEGS were nice birds to see.

Warblers were enjoyable today  , with 10 species between GWC and Prospect for us. The best spots were Crescent Water and later the summit of Lookout Hill. On the latter, we spotted BLACKBURNIAN, NORTHERN PARULA, YELLOW and CHESTNUT SIDED .

In Prospect, reports from other birders were productive. Sean Sime saw MOURNING WARBLER at the Wellhouse puddle. Isabel Conte and Valerie Bull with Eni and Vinny Falci saw WORM-EATING WARBLER at Ricks Place.CAPE MAY WARBLER above the Wellhouse, in a Cherry ( RJett); Also 3 COMMON RAVENS over Lookout Hill per Rob Jett.

Right now, Rob is staking out from his roof, looking for nighthawks, but just reported a flyover EASTERN BLUEBIRD . No report yet if the bird is from NY State.

Lists later. I am off to look for Common Nigthhawks.

--KB




Keir's report from Friday the 23rd

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Aug 23, 2013 7:25 AM - 11:55 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.5 mile(s)
45 species (+2 other taxa)

Canada Goose 4
Mallard X
Double-crested Cormorant 11
Great Blue Heron 1
Green Heron 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Spotted Sandpiper 1
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Chimney Swift X
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker X
Downy Woodpecker X
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) X
Eastern Wood-Pewee 2
Empidonax sp. 1
Eastern Kingbird 2
Warbling Vireo 1
Red-eyed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 2
Black-capped Chickadee 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
House Wren X
Carolina Wren X
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1
American Robin X
Gray Catbird X
European Starling X
Cedar Waxwing 2
Ovenbird 1
Northern Waterthrush 1
Blue-winged Warbler 1
Brewster's Warbler (hybrid) 1 First glimpsed around 8.45am in the Paper Mulberry tree on Lookout Hill near the top of the Maryland Monument steps. I thought it was a female Golden-winged but realized that it had distinct yellow wing bars and perhaps was a hybrid. Just as I gave up searching for it Kathy T and Emily G called me back and we had good eye level views for a minute or so in the trees opposite the Mulberry - overall light gray, yellow cap, black eyeline (like a BWWA), no strong dark cheek patch or throat patch as expected on GWWA. Unlike the last Brewster's I saw in PP there was no yellow discernible on breast.
Black-and-white Warbler 3
Common Yellowthroat 1
American Redstart 6
Yellow Warbler 1
Chestnut-sided Warbler 2
Canada Warbler 1
Song Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal X
Red-winged Blackbird 1
Common Grackle X
Brown-headed Cowbird 1
Baltimore Oriole X
American Goldfinch X
House Sparrow X

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S14998861

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Aug 23, 2013 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
1.5 mile(s)
29 species (+1 other taxa)

Wood Duck 1
Mallard 2
Chimney Swift 12
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 2
Eastern Wood-Pewee 1
Empidonax sp. 1 At the foot of Lookout Hill west slope just south of the Quaker cemetery gates. A silent empid flycatching about 2/3 of the way up to the canopy. Observed both in direct sunlight and in shade. Buffy wingbars (must be a first year bird I assume?). Bill seemed moderately large and wide at base which suggested Acadian. But otherwise suggestive of Yellow-bellied: pale yellow throat and belly with gray streaks on belly. This wasn't a bright yellow bird, just a consistent yellow wash. No perceptible malar or contrast between head and throat (rules out Acadian?). Olive back. Big eyering that seemed whitish with teardrop at rear. Primary projection didn't seem overly long but was hard to be sure. The wings didn't seem to feel overly long in sense that they didn't project far along side tailed, there was a long tailed look. Tail seemed thin to medium in width and straight. Overall, it had a "cute" look that I associate with Least or Yellow-bellied and not Acadi!
an.
If it is an immature (?) can Acadian immature show the non contrast throat? Is the potential yellow throat on a Fall Acadian only on the newly molted adult?
Eastern Kingbird 1
Blue Jay 2
Black-capped Chickadee 1
House Wren 1
Carolina Wren 2
American Robin X
Gray Catbird X
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling X
Cedar Waxwing X
Blue-winged Warbler 1
Black-and-white Warbler 1
Tennessee Warbler 1 Paper Mulberry, Lookout
Common Yellowthroat 1
American Redstart 5
Yellow Warbler 1
Chestnut-sided Warbler 1
Song Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal X
American Goldfinch X
House Sparrow X

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S14999012

Quick note PP & GWC

From Prospect and Greenwood Cemetery, Mary and I counted 10 species warblers, a BALD EAGLE in GWC,SOLITARY and SPOTTED SANDPIPERS, LESSER YELLOWLEGS and BROADWINGED HAWK in GWC. A MOURNING WARBLER reported in Prospect on Well Drive. tonight could spur on Common Nighthawks.be sure to check the eve skies... -kb
Less yellowlegs, juv Broadwinged hawk sylvan waters gwcem
Rept of MOURNING WARBLER by Wellhouse puddle , found by Sean Sime
Solitary sandpiper crescent water GWC

Friday, August 23, 2013

Prospect eve 8/23

Red sky at night ,sailors delight!

 

Sent from my MetroPCS 4G Android device

MOURNING WARBLER Prospect

I received an email from Rob Bate that he saw An immature MOURNING WARBLER at noon time,along the Amber gill Creek/waters ( Ravine). There is a photo which I can't post here from my tablet.Later. Also on Rob's watch, BLUEWINGED WARBLER,CHESTNUT SIDED .

On the move ?

On my way home from work,while passing the Wellhouse, I noticed a good flurry of CHIMNEY SWIFTs above,estimated at 60 birds in a tight spiral. Makes me think...staging for migration very soon..its going to get better,swarms of them towards the end of the month..

This morning,an oversight from my previous post. Mike Yuan reported a COMMON NIGHTHAWK flyover at south Nethermead,heading south.Pretty soon,very likely tomorrow eve,we should see some more nighthawks.
<
alos,yesterday afternoon,by 16th street entrance,a WHITE BREASTED NUTHATCH ( early huh?)
--KB



Prospect , Brewsters Warbler

The Golden-winged warbler class continues for the second consecutive day , this time a hybrid BREWSTER'S WARBLER spotted by Keir Randall, around the Paper Mulberry tree just up the road from the Maryland Monument steps: Brewster's was seen later among lower brush by Kathy Toomey and Emily Goldstein. This hybrid wasn't seen later though when I and Ed Crowne ventured here in the late morning.
Brewster's Warbler at paper mulberry on lookout. Keir found it.

Anniversary of the passing of America's greatest Ornithologist

( No, it  isnt Audubon)

Alexander Wilson, America's greatest ornithologist died 200 years ago today. Think of all the birds named after him ( Wilson's Warbler, Wilson's Phalarope, Wilson's Petrel, Wilson's Plover....)

See Rick Wright's post

http://birdaz.com/blog/2013/08/23/alexander-wilson-1766-1813/

more on history

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Wilson

  new book out as well(thanks to Rick Wright for all the info)

http://birdaz.com/blog/2013/08/23/alexander-wilson-the-scot-who-founded-american-ornithology/

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Saturday forecast

Cool Canadian air coming down Friday afternoon meaning prospects for good birding looking good for Saturday. Remember , in fall season ( migration), northwest /north winds are the best conditions for heavier bird migration.

  http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/new-york-city-weather-heat-hum/16913302

Are they all pointing northwest ?



Report from today's BBC walk

Thursdays Fall series walk

Leading Tom Stephenson

Hi Peter,
We had a very brave group of 10 or so today...but unfortunately after an hour or two we got completely rained out....we really never made it much past the Vale and a bit of the midwood...
We did have one great bird: a female
(most likely 1st year...as it was very drab) Golden-winged Warbler.
Otherwise both waterthrush sp and a few other warblers, 7 Wood Duck who didn't seem to mind the rain...
Next week....!
Best regards,
Tom


Black-crowned Night-Heron
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
Herring Gull
Rock Dove
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Kingbird
Blue Jay
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Carolina Wren
House Wren
American Robin
Gray Catbird
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Golden-winged Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
American Redstart
Ovenbird
Northern Waterthrush
Louisiana Waterthrush
Chipping Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Baltimore Oriole
House Sparrow

Prospect, stuff before the rains and in the lull

In one of the rarest warblers to find in parks, especially Prospect, a drab female GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER was observed by Tom Stephenson's group BBC walk among a decent influx of warblers. The bird was observed at the north end of the Vale of Cashmere from details I obtained.

In the storm lull , actually my lunch time, when it was cool and rain stopped,I found 6 warbler species inside the brushy slope patch that was newly planted in the spring, adjacent to the dirt track west of Butterfly Meadow. Out popped a BLUE-WINGED (also seen earlier in the meadow), a very cooperative CHESTNUT-SIDED and OVENBIRD WARBLERS. An adult male AMERICAN REDSTART was delightful to look at with a hyperactive female Redstart in and around the meadow. 

AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES are in full force , feeding on Green-headed Coneflower buds  http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=RULA3  or  Cupflower (of aster genera) buds ( http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/cupplantx.htm ) in Butterfly Meadow, their ubiquitous presence a reliable sight now in late summer. Two vireo species, RED-EYED and WARBLING hung around the north path leading from Arleen's Pines.

Great also to see were two RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS, in tandem feeding on the budleia butterfly bush at the west end of Butterfly Meadow as well as chasing after its alter ego. I also saw this hummer species also at the north end of the Vale of Cashmere while it was raining hopeful to see the Golden winged Warbler;  but GRAY CATBIRDS was relishing the wet weather, always flying from tree to tree above the Vale Pool. What did you guys did with the Golden winged ? scare it away ?   ;(

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Peter s report


date = 2013/08/22
site = Prospect Park
observers = Peter

Mute Swan lake
Mallard Upper Pool 11
Red-tailed Hawk On Long Meadow lawn across from Nellies Lawn; likely with prey
Rock Pigeon 
Mourning Dove 
Chimney Swift 
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 3; 2 Butterfly Meadow, tandem; 1 north end Vale Cashmere pool
Downy Woodpecker Butterfly Meadow
Northern Flicker Vale Cashmere
Eastern Kingbird Butterfly Meadow
Warbling Vireo Lookout Hill north path
Red-eyed Vireo Butterfly Meadow
Blue Jay Butterfly Meadow
Barn Swallow 
Black-capped Chickadee Butterfly Meadow
House Wren Butterfly Meadow slope above, tree pit
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Butterfly Meadow
American Robin 
Gray Catbird 5
European Starling 
Cedar Waxwing Butterfly Meadow west slope
Yellow Warbler Butterfly Meadow
American Redstart 3 ;Butterfly Meadow west slope, dirt track ; 2 same spot Nw Pin oak, adult male
Black-and-white Warbler Butterfly Meadow west slope, dirt track 
Ovenbird Butterfly Meadow west slope, dirt track 
Common Yellowthroat Butterfly Meadow west slope, dirt track 
Chestnut-sided Warbler Butterfly Meadow west slope, dirt track 
Blue-winged Warbler Butterfly Meadow west slope, dirt track 
Northern Waterthrush 
Song Sparrow 2 Butterfly Meadow west slope
Northern Cardinal 6; 3 Butterfly Meadow west slope, dirt track 
Red-winged Blackbird Upper Pool meadow
Orchard Oriole seen yesterday afternoon, Binnen Pool
American Goldfinch ~12 Butterfly Meadow, feeding on Cupflower buds

~7 species warblers bet dirt track n so.steps bet butterfly mead & summit of Lookout hill
@BobbiInBrooklyn: Golden wing on toms walk. Vale m.twitter.com/BobbiInBrooklyn

Yesterday's 8/21 reports GWC & PP

Hilights OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (GWC)BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO,MOURNING WARBLER,early YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER,WORM-EATING WARBLER.11 species warblers in Prospect (PP) 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Orrin


Olive-sided Flycatcher, in Greenwood Cemetery, @OrrinTilevitz


Green-Wood Cemetery this morning

[Pictures attached.  One is--I hope--the OSFC.  The other I think I ought to know but I am missing something.  Bird seemed to be the size of a small starling, and was in the grass near the lake.\

Peregrine Falcon (circling near front entrance and calling)
Northern cardinal
American robin
Northern flicker
Canada goose (42)
Eastern wood pewee
Common raven (heard)
European starlingSong sparrow
Northern mockinbird
Song sparrow
Great egret
Green heron
American redstart
Black and white warbler
Blue jay
Olive-sided flycatcher
Mallard duck
Carolina wren (heard)
Double-crested cormorant
Gray catbird (heard)
Red-tailed hawk
Spotted sandpiper
Yellow warbler

************************

Keir's report 


Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY Aug 21, 2013 6:39 AM - 1:00 PM Protocol: Traveling 3.0 mile(s) Comments: <br />Submitted from BirdLog NA for iOS, version 1.6.2 48 species (+2 other taxa)
Wood Duck 1 
Mallard 24 
Great Blue Heron 1 
Green Heron 2
Spotted Sandpiper 2
Mourning Dove 5 
Black-billed Cuckoo 1 Eye level views by Lullwater on path from Sumacs to under Terrace bridge. Black bill, red around eye, no rufous in primaries. Ed Crowne also obs. 
Chimney Swift 2 
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 3 
Northern Flicker 2 
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 4 
Eastern Wood-Pewee 2 
Empidonax sp. 2 
Great Crested Flycatcher 1 
Eastern Kingbird 9 
Warbling Vireo 5 
Red-eyed Vireo 5 
Blue Jay 4 
Barn Swallow 14
Black-capped Chickadee 5 
Tufted Titmouse 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 2 
House Wren 6 
Carolina Wren 3 
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2 
American Robin 57 
Gray Catbird 10 
European Starling 18 
Cedar Waxwing 12
Ovenbird 5 Midwood, Lookout, Peninsula
Worm-eating Warbler 1 In Paper Mulberry on Lookout 
Northern Waterthrush 1
Black-and-white Warbler 7
Mourning Warbler 1 Spotted by Ed Crowne on central path through the Peninsula woods. Big chunky warbler, hopping. White eye arcs, pinkish legs stood out in sunlight, messy partial gray collar, yellow from throat to almost end of under tail. 
American Redstart 10 
Magnolia Warbler 2 
Yellow Warbler 3 
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 1 Spotted by Ed Crowne in pines at Peninsula tip. Yellow rump, classic Myrtle face pattern, black on sides of chest, didn't pick up yellow. 
Black-throated Green Warbler 1 Early am from horse path near Quaker gates. 
Canada Warbler 5 Perhaps more - several times I saw 2 together which was a little unusual in my experience.
Song Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 10
Red-winged Blackbird 1
Common Grackle 9
Brown-headed Cowbird 1
Baltimore Oriole 4
American Goldfinch 14 
House Sparrow 30 
View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S14973766

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Prospect morning

A MOURNING WARBLER reported by Keir, seen in the centre path of the Peninsula might be yesterday's Vale Cashmere bird, given the description of immature bird. I hope to get to the area after work, given how busy I am today.

Also on the Peninsula but closer to the Lullwater ( Terrace Bridge?) ,a BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO,  the less common of the two northeastern cuckoo species. ( Kier)..

Over in Greenwood Cemetery, OLIVE -SIDED FLYCATCHER along Hillock Ave , reported by Orrin Tilevitz. Also there, COMMON RAVENs ( RJett)
@railbabbler: First year type mourning warbler, centre path to peninsula tip m.twitter.com/railbabbler
@thecitybirder: Ravens in Green-Wood Cemetery by Horace Greeley m.twitter.com/thecitybirder
@railbabbler: Black billed cuckoo btwn peninsula sumac and lullwater west m.twitter.com/railbabbler
Gwcem: Olive sided fly catcher gwc hillock ave per Orrin

TWO Aug 22nd evening events

One at Prospect Park Boathouse (fee) and the other at Marine Park Salt Marsh Center (free)

1) From: eschwartz@prospectpark.org
To: Info 
Sent: Tue, Aug 20, 2013 1:57 pm
Subject: Creatures of the night 8/22

Hi all,

I thought you might be interested in this evening of bats that we are hosting at 
the Audubon center on August 22 from 7-9. Maybe you could post the event on your 
Facebook page or in your letter. Sorry that it is last minute. 

Thank,
Eve Schwartz 


Living in the city, you might sometimes forget that we have a whole bunch of 
wildlife as neighbors in Prospect Park. If you’re curious about what comes out 
after dark in the park, you may want to check out their Creatures of the 
Night<http://www.prospectpark.org/calendar/event/creatures-of-the-night> event 
this Thursday, August 22 at 7pm:

Expert Naturalist, Paul Keim will lead a conversation over wine and cheese 
explaining the ecological role that bats and nocturnal insects play in our 
environment. As the sun goes down, he will lead a walk to look for bat species 
in flight as they hunt and dive for insects, as well as demonstrate how to 
distinguish between different species using an echolocation device. This walk is 
also an excellent time to watch as cicadas emerge from their underground 
slumber, listen for katydids and crickets, and learn about the natural wonder of 
Prospect Park.

The event is 21+ and costs $25. Reservations are required. Call 718-287-3400 
x303 for more info.

Photo by Steven Severinghaus<http://www.flickr.com/photos/horsepunchkid/7000937446>




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Paul Nelson | Press & Communications Director | Prospect Park Alliance
95 Prospect Park West | Brooklyn, NY | 11215
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  6 Attached Images
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2)  lawn chair theatre : Wings of life ( DisneyNature production)
8:15 pm


http://www.saltmarshalliance.org/monthlyevents.html



To get here, take the B3 bus east (towards Kings Plaza) from the BMT train line AVENUE U station

or click link here

http://www.saltmarshalliance.org/aboutthesaltmarshnaturecenter.html